Although calling time on happy hour promotions should help alleviate the worrying prevalence of antisocial drinking in the UK, its potential impact on industry revenues is less easy to ascertain. Manufacturers may look upon the ban as a further opportunity to combat the threat of brand commoditization amid growing discounting pressures, but the impact on brewers is unlikely to be wholly positive.

Published By Datamonitor

The UK wine market is undergoing considerable consolidation. An increasing emphasis on grape type and availability rather than vintage and estate is pushing the industry towards more business focused, rather than consumer-led, marketing and as a result, quality is suffering. Datamonitor's Nicci Pugh considers the impact of this trend and how it is likely to affect future growth...

Published By Datamonitor

Published By Datamonitor

InBev's call for the distribution of alcoholic drinks in retail outlets such as fast food chains, coffee bars or cinemas is not wholly unsurprising. While the idea is likely to provoke considerable debate over the UK's drinking culture, brewers would benefit from seeing their brands given greater exposure, while a more open attitude to alcohol in the UK could bring social benefits too.

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Britons are continuing to abandon traditional sit down family meals in favor of snacks. Rigid and structured mealtimes have become more informal, fragmented and less important than ever. However, even though consumers are increasing their snack consumption, choosing 'pit-stop' dining and eating on-the-go, health concerns are still weighing on their minds.

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The average Brit is more likely than ever to load their trolley full of premium products. This is reflected by the growth of the specialty products such as hand-made, origin specific food, drink and personal care products. The growing taste for luxury is set to become more pronounced as consumers continue to experiment, self-reward and seek out satisfying experiences.

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Although UK on-trade drinks sales are destined to falter, with a smoking ban on the horizon and consumer spending slowing down, there is an opportunity for forecourt retailers to exploit the growing off-trade industry. Both petrol stations and drinks makers would thus benefit from looking into increasing forecourt alcohol sales.

Published By Datamonitor

Published By Datamonitor

Although Greene King's purchase of Ridley's strengthens its position as both a UK brewer and pub owner, the two activities may not prove complementary in the longer term. Indeed, achieving the brewing units' full growth potential will require investments that a company the size of Greene King can scarcely afford.

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BakeMark has launched Spicy Naans, a snack product that the company hopes will capitalize on the on-the-go and ethnic snack trends. With this move, BakeMark will be well placed to gain a share of the UK's $15 billion plus snack market. Furthermore, it underscores the need for new food offerings to be aligned with at least one current megatrend, especially in congested markets.